greeley stampede is riding high, with chevron’s support

It’s been 20 years since Justin Watada began working for the Greeley Stampede, one of summer’s high points for people living in Northern Colorado—and far beyond. It’s a 12-day event featuring rodeos, concerts and other entertainment.

And in that time, Watada, the Greeley Stampede’s chief executive officer, has seen the annual event’s impact, both on attendees and on the community at large.

“One of my favorite parts about it is just stepping back and watching people having a good time making memories,” said Watada. “That’s what I really like to see.”

As the 2025 presenting sponsor, Chevron is helping make it happen.

Dating back to the late 1800s, the Greeley Stampede began as a way to honor local potato farmers. While the first festival attracted 2,500 attendees, the modern stampede attracts more than 200,000 people from around the world each year. But the nonprofit does more than entertain attendees.

The volunteer-led event gives back to Colorado communities through donations to nonprofits and community groups.

The donations to nonprofits went to organizations such as the Stampede Foundation, which supports continuing education for Weld County students, and the Genesis Project, which helps struggling single mothers gain independence.

“To be able to make an impact on these organizations is really important to me,” Watada said. “Part of our mission is to strengthen our community, and we try to do that in various ways.”

Through its acquisition of Noble Energy, Chevron has been a longtime supporter of the Greeley Stampede. Its investment in the event demonstrates its commitment to a community where its employees live and work, Watada said.